Independent participatory media for Iran

An Iranian economist who criticized government-subsidy cuts by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s administration has been sentenced to one year in prison

According to Aftab news, the charges against Fariborz Rais-Dana range from “membership in Writers’ Association, preparing press releases for seditionists, issuing announcements against the regime and propaganda for leftist and Marxist groups, interviews with the BBC and VOA, and accusing the Islamic Republic of prisoner abuse.”

The Iranian government implemented the so-called “targeting of subsidies” law last year, causing Iranians to pay higher prices for energy and food staples. The government gave cash benefits to households to help them adjust to the higher costs of everyday needs. The plan was criticized by many experts, including Rais-Dana, who predicted rising inflation and hardship for the working class.

Rais-Dana was arrested last December after he spoke against the subsidy changes with the BBC. He was released on bail after a month.